14 THE BRONX SOCIETY OF ARTS AND SCIENCES. 



Letters of regret have been received from a number of 

 literary people, of which I will read the following: 



Northampton, Mass., Dec. 27, 1908. 

 " Doctor Arthur B. Lamb, 



Secretary of the Bronx Society of Arts and Sciences. 



Dear Sir: — I am grateful for the special invitation of the 

 Bronx Society of Arts and Sciences to the celebration of the 

 centenary of the birth of Edgar Allan Poe, and sincerely regret 

 that my absence at the date of it in a distant part of the country 

 must prevent my attendance. 



In my sense of deprivation may I be allowed to say that, to 

 my mind, our American civilization had, and has, in Poe, not 

 only one of the greatest among its few most masterful poets, but 

 one who, more than any other, initially kindled, and still kindles, 

 the priceless flame of poetic feeling in the hearts of innumerable 

 Americans at the fateful moment when they are first seeking 

 to find or make their share and place in the world's life and 

 onward march. 



With renewed thanks for the honor offered me, I beg to re- 

 main ever. 



Yours truly, 



(Signed) George W. Cable." 



L T pon the recommendation of the Centennial Committee of 

 the Bronx Society of Arts and Sciences, it is now my duty and 

 privilege to present as the chairman of this Celebration of the 

 birth of Edgar Allan Poe, one who is well known to all of us 

 both as author and as teacher. Dr. George E. Woodberry. 

 formerly of this city. 



